NDP 6 to be launched in April
Experts caution against lack of implementation
Government says the delay in implementing NDP 6 would not disrupt development planning, as ongoing projects and strategies are already captured in the medium-term expenditure frameworks.
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has revealed that the launch of Namibia’s sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6) will occur in April 2025, a month later than initially anticipated.
Providing an update on the plan’s implementation, NPC executive director Michael Humavindu explained that the commission is finalising consultations and awaiting Cabinet approval for the document.
“NDP 6 implementation will begin after the Cabinet approves the document. The NPC is currently completing the draft while still engaging additional stakeholders for input. The NPC therefore expects the NDP 6 document to be launched in April 2025,” Humavindu said.
Humavindu emphasised that the delay in implementing NDP 6 would not disrupt development planning, as ongoing projects and strategies are already captured in the Ministry of Finance’s Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF).
“The government’s planning horizons and strategic outputs are driven by the NDPs, as well as key projects incorporated within the fifth NDP and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, all supported by the three-year rolling MTEFs. Risks to implementation or project transfers are therefore minimized,” he added.
He noted that robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms are in place to ensure development plans and their execution are not negatively impacted.
“The ability to plan for existing or new projects is not impaired due to this structured project management system. Additionally, the ongoing final consultations include a strong effort to align an M&E framework with key sector outcomes,” Humavindu explained.
Expert opinions
Economic Association of Namibia CEO Cons Karamata highlighted the importance of launching the sixth NDP as planned to address economic challenges and leverage growth opportunities.
“Development plans are roadmaps for progress, and delays compromise their effectiveness. Delayed implementation of the sixth NDP could lead to missed opportunities to stimulate economic growth, attract international development aid, and optimize resource allocation,” Karamata said.
He further noted that while delays are challenging, they also provide an opportunity to reassess implementation frameworks, address bottlenecks, and strengthen institutional capacity to prevent future delays.
Concerns about commitment
However, academic Dr. Omo Kakujaha-Matundu questioned the government’s commitment to implementing NDPs, suggesting that the approval of NDP 6 may not necessarily translate into meaningful action.
“If the Namibian government were taking planning seriously, delays in implementing capital projects would be concerning. However, experience shows that the implementation of NDPs often stops at the drafting stage. Little effort is made to follow through on the plans, and NDP 6 won’t be an exception. Whether it’s delayed or not, it will make no difference,” Kakujaha-Matundu argued.
The National Development Plans have played a vital role in mapping Namibia’s progress toward its developmental goals, starting with the 1st National Development Plan in 1995/96. NDP 6, which will conclude in 2030/31, continues this trajectory, according to the NPC.
Providing an update on the plan’s implementation, NPC executive director Michael Humavindu explained that the commission is finalising consultations and awaiting Cabinet approval for the document.
“NDP 6 implementation will begin after the Cabinet approves the document. The NPC is currently completing the draft while still engaging additional stakeholders for input. The NPC therefore expects the NDP 6 document to be launched in April 2025,” Humavindu said.
Humavindu emphasised that the delay in implementing NDP 6 would not disrupt development planning, as ongoing projects and strategies are already captured in the Ministry of Finance’s Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF).
“The government’s planning horizons and strategic outputs are driven by the NDPs, as well as key projects incorporated within the fifth NDP and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, all supported by the three-year rolling MTEFs. Risks to implementation or project transfers are therefore minimized,” he added.
He noted that robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms are in place to ensure development plans and their execution are not negatively impacted.
“The ability to plan for existing or new projects is not impaired due to this structured project management system. Additionally, the ongoing final consultations include a strong effort to align an M&E framework with key sector outcomes,” Humavindu explained.
Expert opinions
Economic Association of Namibia CEO Cons Karamata highlighted the importance of launching the sixth NDP as planned to address economic challenges and leverage growth opportunities.
“Development plans are roadmaps for progress, and delays compromise their effectiveness. Delayed implementation of the sixth NDP could lead to missed opportunities to stimulate economic growth, attract international development aid, and optimize resource allocation,” Karamata said.
He further noted that while delays are challenging, they also provide an opportunity to reassess implementation frameworks, address bottlenecks, and strengthen institutional capacity to prevent future delays.
Concerns about commitment
However, academic Dr. Omo Kakujaha-Matundu questioned the government’s commitment to implementing NDPs, suggesting that the approval of NDP 6 may not necessarily translate into meaningful action.
“If the Namibian government were taking planning seriously, delays in implementing capital projects would be concerning. However, experience shows that the implementation of NDPs often stops at the drafting stage. Little effort is made to follow through on the plans, and NDP 6 won’t be an exception. Whether it’s delayed or not, it will make no difference,” Kakujaha-Matundu argued.
The National Development Plans have played a vital role in mapping Namibia’s progress toward its developmental goals, starting with the 1st National Development Plan in 1995/96. NDP 6, which will conclude in 2030/31, continues this trajectory, according to the NPC.
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